How to Live With a Bipolar Mom
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that involves alternating periods of depression and mania. It can be difficult to live with a bipolar mom, realizing that family life will be difficult as she gets help for the disorder. Both coping skills and the ability to support your bipolar mother are necessary.
Instructions
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Education and Support
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Learn the signs, classic symptoms, and types of bipolar disorder by visiting medical websites, doing library research, or speaking with a professional in your community. The three major types of bipolar disorder include Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothmia. Free Internet resources to learn more about bipolar disorder include MayoClinic and the National Alliance on Mental Health.
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Recognize the warning signs and symptoms of depression and mania in your bipolar mom by monitoring her behavior on a regular basis. Extreme optimism, rapid thoughts and increased physical activity are all signs of the manic stage. Fatigue, sadness and irritability are signs of the depressive stage.
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Support your bipolar mom by helping her with activities around the house and spending time with her. Being available to help wards off lonely feelings and provides comfort.
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Encourage your mother to seek treatment for her bipolar disorder if she isn't already. If left untreated, the frequency and severity of bipolar disorder often worsens, making home life more uncomfortable and even frightening at times. On the other hand, psychotherapy and mood stabilizer prescription drugs are effective treatments.
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Enlist help from family members and extended family, such as uncles, aunts, and grandparents. Family members can be a great help in times of need when living with a bipolar mom; those that live nearby can help with meals, errands and other responsibilities with which your mother needs help.
Your Health and Well-Being
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Seek emotional support from a trusted adult adviser, such as a pastor or school counselor. These people can give advice and make themselves available to confide in when home life may be a bit hectic dealing with and taking care of your bipolar mom.
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Take part in your own activities apart from your bipolar mom and don't neglect your own health. Even though your mother may need you at times, it's important for a healthy mental state to be surrounded by your own social support system and continue with your own favorite hobbies and activities.
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Find ways to manage the stress that comes from living with a bipolar mom. For example, relaxation techniques can help prevent built-up stressful feelings. In addition, journaling, exercising and getting a sufficient amount of sleep every night are also good measures for managing stress.
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Obtain treatment from a professional psychologist or licensed counselor. Even though you may not be clinically depressed, living with your bipolar mom can be difficult. Receiving counseling or psychotherapy from a trained professional is a good step to prevent depression or negative thoughts before they set in.
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